For producers and composers hunting for authentic 1960s and 1970s percussion, the new Detroit Drums plugin from Iconic Instruments offers a rare chance to access hardware that is now practically extinct. The library captures drum heads and cymbals from that golden era, recorded and tuned using methods that defined the sound of legends like John Bonham and Ringo Starr.
A library of lost hardware
The plugin is split into two distinct kits, the L-Model and the S-Model, available individually or as a combined package. While individual tuning is possible for every component, the standout feature is a unique dampening control described by the developers as never-before-seen. This allows users to sculpt a sound ranging from the massive, castle-filling booms of the late 60s to the tight, musical precision of the 70s.
Processing in a vintage environment
To maintain the classic aesthetic, the processing chain mimics a 1960s mixing console. Central to this is the Tube Drive effect, which can be applied to overheads, the bass drum, under-snare mics, and the master bus to inject genuine warmth. The suite also integrates simplified versions of the Model 350 Tube Preamp, SP140 Plate Reverb, Model 660 X Exciting Compressor, ParametrEQ, and Transport Vintage Tape plugins, though these require separate purchase.
“I’m very proud of how great these drums and cymbals sound, but the unique Tuning and Dampening controls are a real achievement,” says Michael Vecchio, Founder of Iconic Instruments. “And the effects in the Mixing Console give you all the color options you want to have on hand. These are the drum sounds you’ve been chasing for years!”
Pricing and availability
The individual kits are priced at $79 each, while the bundle containing both costs $129. The effects are sold separately, with the complete package available for $199 and the specific Tube and Tape bundle for $149. Full details can be found on the Iconic Instruments website.
Key takeaways
- Detroit Drums provides access to “virtually unobtainable” 1960s and 1970s drum heads and cymbals recorded with period-accurate tuning techniques.
- The plugin features a unique dampening control paired with individual tuning, allowing for precise sound sculpting across different eras of rock and pop history.
- Processing includes a 1960s-style mixing console with Tube Drive effects and optional vintage hardware plugins like the SP140 Plate Reverb and Model 350 Tube Preamp.
